Journal article
Postsecondary Employment Experiences Among Young Adults With an Autism Spectrum Disorder
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, v 52(9), pp 931-939
01 Sep 2013
PMID: 23972695
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
Objective: We examined postsecondary employment experiences of young adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and compared these outcomes with those of young adults with different disabilities. Method: Data were from Wave 5 of the National Longitudinal Transition Study-2 (NLTS2), a nationally representative survey of young adults who had received special education services during high school. We examined the prevalence of ever having had, and currently having, a paid job at 21 to 25 years of age. We analyzed rates of full-time employment, wages earned, number of jobs held since high school, and job types. Results: Approximately one-half (53.4%) of young adults with an ASD had ever worked for pay outside the home since leaving high school, the lowest rate among disability groups. Young adults with an ASD earned an average of $8.10 per hour, significantly lower than average wages for young adults in the comparison groups, and held jobs that clustered within fewer occupational types. Odds of ever having had a paid job were higher for those who were older, from higher-income households, and with better conversational abilities or functional skills. Conclusions: Findings of worse employment outcomes for young adults with an ASD suggest that this population is experiencing particular difficulty in successfully transitioning into employment. Research is needed to determine strategies for improving outcomes as these young adults transition into adulthood.
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Details
- Title
- Postsecondary Employment Experiences Among Young Adults With an Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Creators
- Anne M. Roux - Washington University in St. LouisPaul T. Shattuck - Washington University in St. LouisBenjamin P. Cooper - Washington University in St. LouisKristy A. Anderson - University of Wisconsin–MadisonMary Wagner - SRI InternationalSarah C. Narendorf - University of Houston
- Publication Details
- Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, v 52(9), pp 931-939
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 9
- Grant note
- R01 MH086489 / National Institute-of Mental Health (NIMH); United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Emch Foundation R01MH086489 / NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Autism Speaks
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000324006300008
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-84883257351
- Other Identifier
- 991021960100404721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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InCites Highlights
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Pediatrics
- Psychiatry
- Psychology, Developmental